Why Drains Back Up in Heavy Rain
If your shower drain gurgles every time it pours, or sewage has come up during a storm, the cause is usually somewhere between your house and the street.
Request a plumberToo much water in the line
Sewer lines are meant to carry wastewater, not rain. When groundwater and stormwater get in through cracks and loose joints, the line fills up and wastewater has nowhere to go.
The lowest drain goes first
Sewage backs up to the lowest opening in the house. On a slab home that's usually a shower, tub or floor drain. A backup there during a storm is a strong clue.
Warning signs before a backup
Gurgling toilets, slow drains that clear on their own after a while, and sewer smells inside or in the yard. These often show up during or after rain.
Checking the line
A camera inspection through the cleanout shows cracks, roots, sags and broken joints. That tells you whether the problem is in your line or the city's.
Ways to prevent it
Repairing the damaged section of your line keeps groundwater out. A backwater valve can stop sewage from flowing back into the house. A plumber can explain which suits your home.
Next step
If you've had a backup, see sewer backup prevention.
What to do during a backup
Stop using water anywhere in the house, keep people away from the sewage and don't use chemical drain openers. If the cleanout is outside, a plumber can often relieve the backup there. Clean up with gloves and disinfectant once the line is clear.
Keep a log
Note the dates of each backup and how much rain fell. A pattern tied to storms points to groundwater getting into the line, which helps the plumber plan the right repair.
More plumbing guides
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